A CONTINGENT of riders from Redlands BMX Club are set to take on the country's best at the Australian National Championships in Victoria next week. Leading the way for the local team of 14 riders will be 21-year-old elite men's competitor Jye Hombsch. The Thornlands resident heads to the event at Shepparton after competing in the third and fourth rounds of the world cup in the Netherlands. Hombosch - a world championship finalist as a junior in 2016 - has been plying his trade on the United States and European circuits. The elite men's and women's events have an Australian title up for grabs and the opportunity to earn rankings points to help riders qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Other competitors include seven-year-old Penni Allen and Harper Robins, who will represent Australia at the world titles in Belguim after the Shepparton event. The local riders are among 1550 entrants from 99 Australian clubs set to take part in the event. Competitors are aged from four to 67 years old. The Shepparton track features a newly constructed state-of-the-art eight metre start hill for elite riders. The event is from May 20 to 25, with practice rounds held over the first two days. The inaugural Pro Spectacular for elite riders takes place on Wednesday, May 22, while cruiser and challenge or age group classes will be on Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24. On Saturday, May 25, elite classes will fight for the coveted A1 plate awarded to the national champion. Bayview State School P&amp;C are helping Penni and Harper's fundraising efforts with an election day barbecue at Bayview State School on Saturday. The barbecue will be from 8am to 2pm with a sausage sizzle, bacon and egg burgers, cupcakes, tea and coffee on offer. Also read: Molly and Harry Williamson bound for BMX world championships in Belgium Also read: Redlands BMX riders compete in south-east Queensland series Also read: Local to defend BMX world title